Pool Insurance in Texas Explained

Having a pool is a great way to not only make a splash from an aesthetic point of view, but it’s also just a fun addition to any home. But like anything, protecting yourself, your home, and your property is important. This is why many homeowners in Texas seek pool insurance.

It doesn’t matter if you have an above-ground pool or an in-ground pool, both come with various risks that could harm more than just your bank account. Responsible pool ownership means making sure safety is paramount and that your oasis continues to be treated with care.

However, even under ideal conditions, accidents can occur. Smaller issues can be a pain and expensive, requiring you to repair or replace property, but more extreme cases could cause bodily harm or even death.

Learn more about swimming pool insurance requirements, how to stay protected, and which coverages to consider when installing home pools.

 

The Truth About Pool Insurance in Texas

Many searching for pool insurance in Texas may be on the right path, but they all lead to the same destination: there is no such thing as swimming pool insurance. You can, however, protect yourself through a home insurance policy, which will include some swimming pool coverage.

A standard home insurance policy (HO3) will be a great foundation when it comes to protecting yourself as a homeowner with a pool, primarily in the form of liability coverage.  Please check your insurance policy as pool coverage can be different from policy to policy or carrier to carrier.

 

Swimming Pool Insurance Requirements for Texas Homeowners

Owning a pool is a great way to stay in shape, host guests, or simply set the mood. Yet, there is no denying that there is an added level of risk that comes with installing one. Because of this, your home insurance with a pool will cause your premiums to rise.

Insurance companies all assess the amount of risk you pose when enrolling you as a client and will calculate your premium based on many factors, including whether or not you own a pool or not and the type of pool you own.

Furthermore, the features of your pool will also matter. This means whether or not you have slides, diving boards, fencing, or even if your pool is filled or not, are all going to be taken into consideration by your insurance provider.

Many may be tempted to forgo letting their insurance company know about their swimming pool, but this is a bad idea. You’re going to want to notify your carrier if you install a swimming pool because failure to do so means you could be dropped as a customer or denied if you file a claim.

 

How Often Do Above-Ground Pools Collapse in Texas?

As noted by Backyard Pool Guy, if you take care of your pool, you shouldn’t see a collapse for a decade or two for an above-ground unit. In-ground pools collapse far less than their above-the-ground counterpoints, but it’s still possible.

There are several reasons why above-ground pools can collapse, including overloading, improper installation, and damage. But facing winter conditions and the prospect of overloading are the primary reasons for collapses. When you overload your pool, too much weight is placed on the pool causing the structure to weaken and eventually collapse.

You’ll also want to ensure that your pool is installed properly no matter which type you have. This is because improper installation is another common cause, leading to uneven weight distribution and stress on the walls.

Weight is important for home pools and can come from multiple areas. For example, on top of your pool’s cover. Part of proper maintenance is to remove excess water from your cover when your pool isn’t being used, otherwise, the end result can be a collapsed pool.

Any sort of damage your pool faces can also cause collapse over time, weakening the pool’s walls or supporting structure. Furthering the need for routine maintenance, ensuring your pool is in good, working condition.

Finally, there are many other reasons pools collapse, including the weight of rain or snow, old age, the use of low-quality materials, and corrosion of the frame. But because many of these can be avoided with proper installation, regular maintenance, and understanding the weight limitations, you can avoid such hassles in most cases.

 

Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Pool Collapse for Texas Residents?

Yes, in most cases, swimming pools are covered by homeowners insurance in Texas, which includes the event of a pool collapse. If your pool is destroyed because of frozen water and collapses, however, you’re unlikely to be covered.  Please check your home policy to see what is and what isn’t covered, most policies are different when it comes to pool insurance coverage.

This is an especially important caveat for those in North Texas, although, as we’ve seen in recent years, much more of The Lone Star State is potentially vulnerable to potentially damaging cold weather events.

As seen above, nothing lasts forever, but with proper maintenance, your pool will continue to be a social hub, recreational center, and focal point for years to come. Similarly, it’s worth noting that general wear and tear issues are also not covered by home insurance policies.

 

Home Insurance Isn’t Enough for Texans With Swimming Pools

As mentioned above, pool insurance in Texas is a coverage that isn’t available, but also not necessary because home insurance covers your losses. But if you own a pool, you should also consider enrolling in umbrella insurance.

This is particularly true for homeowners with younger children using the pool and/or those with larger net worths. Here is why an umbrella policy can help you supplement your “pool insurance” to stay better protected:

• Home insurance policies have coverage limits. While they are going to be there in the event of a liability or personal injury claim, larger claims will require additional coverage or for you to pay out of your own pocket. Even with swimming pool insurance coverage.
• Pool safety is the first step but especially with those having smaller children around, the risk of incidents can be costly. This is particularly true when they are deadly. Medical bills, funeral expenses, and legal fees only make a worst-case scenario that much worse.
• For only a couple hundred dollars per year, you can receive an umbrella insurance policy that provides $1 million in coverage, and this includes many other instances outside of owning a pool.

Known as an attractive nuisance, there are responsibilities for property owners to take the proper steps to protect others from harm. Regardless, should a visitor become injured while on your priority, you’re responsible for that party’s loss as the homeowner.

Swimming pools can provide a wealth of entertainment and fun but things still happen. Umbrella insurance is an affordable way to make sure you have peace of mind and enough coverage should an expensive loss become your responsibility.

 

How To Stay Protected Through “Pool Insurance” in Texas

If you’re a homeowner in Texas, chances are you have home insurance. But not everyone does and several who do are spending far too much for their coverage. It’s always a good idea to review your coverage from time to time and there is no better time than when a change is necessary, such as installing a swimming pool.

Remember, not only will you need to tell your home insurance provider that you have a pool being installed, but you’re virtually guaranteed to spend more in the process. This can be a discouraging prospect, but options are available.

The biggest tool any homeowner has at their disposal for saving on their policy is to compare coverage among various carriers to find the lowest rate. Here at Freedom Insurance Group, we’ve partnered with more than 25 top-rated insurance companies available to Texans for this very reason.

This allows us to compare the coverage needs of our clients, select the lowest price on the market, and help homeowners across The Lone Star State save on their protection. We also work to find the best umbrella insurance coverage, depending on your policy needs.

Installing a pool is a great addition, but without the right level of coverage, you expose yourself to unnecessary risks. But you shouldn’t have to overpay to stay protected either. Give us a call to compare “pool insurance” coverage options from home and umbrella policies, or get a free online homeowners insurance quote.